The annual Martin Luther King Jr. March could move to the Alamodome if the cold weather interferes, officials say.
San Antonio District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Martin Luther King Jr. Commission Chair Dwayne Robinson on Thursday hosted a press conference at the steps of City Hall to emphasize the march will happen — no matter what.
Detailed weather forecasts predict a very cold day Sunday night, and 20 percent chance of showers Monday after noon with wind gusts as high as 20 miles per hour. Chances of snow increases Monday night.
“If its just cold, we’re marching,” Robinson said. “If there’s some ice and if there’s snow, then we’re moving to plan B, which will be at the Alamodome.”
The annual march draws hundreds of thousands of people, many travel together from out of state to attend what officials call one of the “largest MLK Marches in the nation.” Over nearly four decades it’s become a symbol that embodies the ongoing struggle for justice, officials said.
The decision whether or not to move the march to the Alamodome will be a collective one made between the City of San Antonio and the MLK Commission and is expected on Sunday evening.
In case the backup plan should happen, the city will coordinate with VIA Metropolitan Transit to tweak some of its routes. If it starts to ice or snow, buses will transport people to the Alamodome.
The Alamdome stadium is less than a mile away from Pittman-Sullivan Park.
Last year, the annual march that draws thousands of people to San Antonio’s East Side was canceled the morning of the march and a smaller event was rescheduled later.
McKee-Rodriguez said organizers were determined to have a backup plan this year, so that in case of inclement weather, San Antonio still honors King’s legacy.
If the 10 a.m. Monday march moves to the Alamodome, the event will be scaled back; There will be no vendors, less activities, but the program will still take place with keynote speakers and entertainment, officials said.
King’s daughter-in-law, Arndrea Waters King, is the keynote speaker. Gospel and jazz performers are included in this year’s entertainment.
McKee-Rodriguez said the commitment to the march this year takes on an especially important significance as families face uncertainty with political changes at the federal and state level.
“When we start marching on Monday, we will be together. Whether you’re an immigrant family, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or a woman concerned about your rights, it may feel like the ground is unsteady,” he said. “Because of this lack of security, we need to pull each other close and demonstrate the meaning of solidarity and community.”
